cleaning the table

[Bill P]

I'm trying to find a really good post about cleaning and buffing the top of the saw so the wood will slide easier, but I can't find it.

Can someone point me to the post I'm looking for?

Thanks,

Bill

[dgman]

Hey Bill, I don't know where the post is but here is what I do with my DeWalt 788. I use WD40 and 0000 steel wool to clean the top. Wipe the top with a clean rag, Then apply a wax. When dry, polish with a clean rag. I use Minwax finishing wax because that is what I have on hand, but any wax that does not contain silicone will work.

[GrayBeard]

I use a similar method but make it easier. I have some 600 grit wet/dry sanding sheets from a friend's body shop. I use my 1/4 sheet sander and WD-40 after first removing old wax with mineral spirits. After cleaning with WD-40 I wipe the table clean with a dry rag and then with alcohol to remove all residue and let it dry completely.
Then I apply Johnson's Paste Wax (big yellow can) and rub in well.
Then I take some of those blue paper 'shop towels', fold and use them to polish the top again with the sander.
My last treatment has lasted since August and is just now showing signs of needing to be re-done.

God gave power sanders to guys with arthritic hands!

~~~GrayBeard~~~

[scrollgirl]

I agree with the other two posts.  WD-40 followed by paste wax does a great job.  Simple. Fast. Effective. 


Th- th- th- that's all folks!

Sheila

[Bill P]

Thanks, folks.

My old mind couldn't remember the recomendations.

Bill

[termite]

my brother-in-law & i put formica on our 788 tables. i dont do anything to mine as i think it is
plenty slick. if i sweat on mine i just wipe it off. he on the other hand waxes his formica every
so often.

[malc]

I steal 'er indoors wax polish!
Malc

[MadHatter]

awhile back someone mentioned that they use non-stick cooking spray, i gave it a try and it seems to work well for me, spray it on and wipe off.

[Kepy]

I use naval jelly to remove rust with steel wool then Johnson's paste wax.  I haven't tried on the tables but spray oven cleaner works great on cleaning router bits.

[bhenr99]

As mentioned above formica is the way to go.I have used it for about 15 years and works great. Just put it on with double stick tape and if ever need to change it lift it off and replace with new piece. Never have to worry about rust or sliding problems.

Bob

[Russ C]

I spray mine with Pam cooking spray, wipe off excess and keep on scrolling. 

[jimbo]

I use nothing on mine as it slides easily I think the top has been anodized as it is a grey color
Jimbo

[julief]

There is a coating on my EX21 - I have never had to put anything on it.  It is very smooth and does not rust.